Russia Says Planning for Putin’s Trip to Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia is under consideration following an invitation from Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov told reporters on Friday.

“We consider the upcoming meeting between the two foreign ministers as part of regular and trust-based dialogue with our Saudi partners, which concerns a wide range of issues of mutual interest,” she said.

She informed reporters that there will be a thorough discussion of the relevant aspects of Russia-Saudi relations and the implementation of agreements made during King Salman’s visit to Moscow in October 2017.

The spokeswoman indicated that there will be an exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa, with an emphasis on the need to resolve issues facing this region through political and diplomatic means, including dialogue based on mutual respect, taking in consideration the interests and concerns of all the parties involved.

“The meeting’s agenda includes the situations in Syria, Yemen, Libya and the Gulf area, as well as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” she noted, adding that the two foreign ministers would also discuss “the prospects for joint activities in relation to strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf states.”

“The Russian-Saudi intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation has been playing an important coordinating role,” Zakharova added.

The cooperation between Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Saudi Public Investment Fund has also been important for Moscow’s interaction with Riyadh, according to the spokeswoman.